Lyndonville, VT - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon trailed Husson University by only three points at halftime of Friday's North Atlantic Conference women's basketball team.  Unfortunately for the Hornets, the NAC East Division leading Eagles pulled away in the second half for a 79-50 victory.

Husson jumped out to an early 6-0 lead less than two minutes into the contest.  Bailey Donovan scored twice inside and found Makaelyn Porter for an open jumper to spark the run.  The Eagles extended their advantage to nine following a Jordyne Lengle layup, but Lyndon's Sage Smith (Colebrook, NH) connected on a three-pointer just before the quarter ended to make it 18-12, Husson, after one.

The Hornets chipped away further as the second quarter progressed.  Faith Poirier's (Portsmouth, NH) layup with 5:01 remaining in the quarter brought the Hornets to within two points at 23-21.  After Husson built their advantage back to six, a Smith three and a pair of Riann Fortin (Derby, VT) free throws made it a one-point game at 29-28 with 49 seconds to go in the period.  Husson's Roxanne Sasse then converted a second chance basket inside to send the Eagles into halftime with a 31-28 lead.

After intermission, the two teams traded scores through the first three minutes.  When Lyndon's Lea Crompton (Dunbarton, NH) knocked down a jumper at the 7:48 mark, Lyndon was within two at 35-33.  That would prove to be as close as the Hornets would get, as the Eagles outscored Lyndon, 23-9, over the final seven minutes of the quarter to take control of the game.

Husson continued to pull away in the final quarter, extending their lead to as much as 31 points before settling for the 29-point victory.

Donovan had a big night in leading the Eagles.  She posted a double double with 30 points and 10 rebounds while converting 13 of 16 shots from the floor.  Porter also reached double figures, finishing with 17 points and a team best five assists.

Fortin led Lyndon with 16 points.  Smith finished with 13 points and Cromptom chipped in 10 for the Hornets.

Husson was 32 for 60 (53.3%) from the floor and three of nine (33.3%) from behind the three-point arc.  Lyndon made 18 of its 55 attempts (32.7%), and only three of 21 (14.3%) from distance.  The Eagles held a 43-27 rebounding advantage and forced 20 Hornet turnovers while committing 16 themselves.

Lyndon and Husson will square off again tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm in Stannard Gymnasium.  Prior to tip-off, the Hornets will recognize their senior women's basketball student athletes.